Krungsri Consumer boosting digital services, lending to expand reach

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Amid global economic recession and rising inflation, the financial industry is undergoing a digital transition affecting both strategy and services. Krungsri Consumer, Thailand’s leading credit card and personal loan operator, is also planning digital-friendly changes to its organisation and services.

Krungsri Consumer boosting digital services, lending to expand reach

Nayanee Peaugkham, Chairwoman of Krungsri Consumer, told Krungthep Turakij newspaper that the company will boost its competitiveness over the next three years using five strategies: Providing financial products and services for modern lifestyles, using the latest innovations to increase productivity, building a digital finance ecosystem with partners, finding new sources of income, and ensuring personnel are ready for modern world.

Digital trend in financial products

“Due to Covid-19, more consumers are shifting to digital services, as shown by Krungsri Consumer’s credit card spending in early 2022 with year-on-year growth of 19 percent for online shopping and 72 percent for food delivery via apps,” said Nayanee. “Hence, Krungsri Consumer aims to enhance our service by offering attractive promotions to boost online spending, and improve our digital services to facilitate the rising number of digital channel users. We are also emphasising data analysis to identify consumer needs and develop products and services that respond to their changing lifestyle.”

Nayanee added that the company’s XU virtual credit card registered spending of over 44 million baht from February-May 2022, while the Krungsri Now credit card saw 300 million baht in spending from November 2021-March 2022 among 25,000 cardholders. Meanwhile, the UCASH digital lending service on the company’s UCHOOSE app recorded 29.5 billion baht in lending from over 3.69 million transactions between June 2021 and May 2022. “This indicates that the trend for digital financial services is rising, and consumers are responding positively to our new products,” she said.

Krungsri Consumer boosting digital services, lending to expand reach

Building digital ecosystem

“Krungsri Consumer is investing to develop a digital ecosystem in preparation for rising competition in the next three years,” said Nayanee. “We are using data analysis systems to understand consumers’ behaviour and design products and services that can better serve their needs. We also use AI (Artificial Intelligence) in new marketing campaigns and employ RPA (Robotic Process Automation) in our work process to increase efficiency.”

Nayanee added that the company’s UCHOOSE app can gather customers’ data and analyse their preferences to select suitable products and services to promote. “The application not only allows customers to easily access our latest products and services via mobile application, but also offers convenient card application process via digital channels. It also helps facilitate our business partners to offer special deals on their products, as well as installment plan on selected items, providing more options to customers.” she said. “Apart from UCHOOSE app, consumers can also access our latest products and services conveniently via new digital channels such as Line official account, and Facebook.”

Besides building a digital ecosystem for its business, Krungsri Consumer is also cooperating with other business units under Bank of Ayudhya under the policy of “Krungsri One Retail”, in which different units are encouraged to work together to develop better products and services for customers. “We are also committed to expanding our consumer finance business to other markets in the region such as Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Vietnam after the bank recently acquired SHB Finance ,” she added.

Krungsri Consumer boosting digital services, lending to expand reach

Seeking more partners in digital lending

For the second half of this year, Nayanee said the company is planning to launch more digital lending services with several partners, aiming to increase access to personal loan for customers in wider groups.

“We believe that digital lending will be the key business opportunity for Krungsri Consumer in the second half of 2022, with estimated turnover from digital lending at 50 percent of total lending within the next three years,” she said. “As the Covid-19 situation is improving, people will need cash to increase their liquidity for economic activities, so we will be providing loan services that are fast and convenient for all. Krungsri Consumer is also planning to launch the ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ service via the application by year-end, which will offer even more choices for hire purchase consumers.”

As for finding new sources of income, Nayanee said that Krungsri Consumer plans to explore areas in which it already has expertise, such as debt collection, to create a service with a help of new business partners, also expected to be launched later this year.

Krungsri Consumer boosting digital services, lending to expand reach

Reopening Thailand will fuel credit card, lending expansion

“Rising inflation and global oil prices could limit Thai people’s spending in the rest of the year, but we are still confident that the reopening of the country after over two years of Covid-19 shutdown will attract foreign tourists and boost Thailand’s economy,” said Nayanee. “Since the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, credit card spending has increased continually. In the first five months of 2022, Krungsri Consumer recorded a 12 percent increase year on year in credit card spending and a 14 percent increase in new loans. Food delivery, online shopping and inter-spending are among the categories with significant growth.”

Meanwhile, non-performing loans (NPL) are at 1.1 percent for credit card loans and 2.5 percent for personal loans, which are lower than the loan business average.

“For 2022, Krungsri Consumer is targeting 312.3 billion baht in credit card spending, or a 10 percent rise , and 84.6 billion baht in new loans, or 11 percent increase, compared to prior year. Total outstanding loans will be at 149.6 billion baht, increasing 7 percent year on year,” added Nayanee.
 

Published : July 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

Foreign trade by land shows marginal increase in first five months

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The value of foreign trade by land has risen to 688.822 billion baht, up by 1.74 per cent during the first five months of this year, following the easing of Covid travel restrictions, the commerce minister said on Monday.

Foreign trade by land shows marginal increase in first five months

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said the 1.74-per-cent increase, compared to the same period last year, indicated recovery of cross-border trade.

Of the 688.822 billion baht, 404.585 billion baht was the value of exports, a 0.91 per cent drop year on year, while imports amounted to 284.237 billion baht, an increase of 5.75 per cent. Thailand enjoyed a trade surplus of 120.346 billion baht.

Of the total trade, 441.788 billion baht worth of goods trading was conducted with border nations.

He said Malaysia remained the top cross-border bilateral trade partner. Thailand exported good worth 14.932 billion baht to Malaysia during the first five months of this year, the export value dropping by 1.57 per cent year on year. Myanmar was the second highest with 13.442 billion.

Foreign trade by land shows marginal increase in first five monthsCambodia was third with Thai exports amounting to 13.405 billion baht, an increase of 13.82 per cent, and Laos was fourth with export value of 13.2223 billion baht, a 40.25 per cent increase.

China remained the top export destination for Thai exports by land across bordering nations. Jurin said Thailand exported 19.083 billion baht worth of goods to China during the first five months. The export value dropped by 18.80 per cent year on year, he added. The other major export destination countries were Singapore 3.887 billion baht and Vietnam 3.737 billion.

Foreign trade by land shows marginal increase in first five monthsSo far, Thailand has reopened 59 out of 97 border checkpoints while neighbouring countries have reopened 52 border checkpoints, Jurin said.

Foreign trade by land shows marginal increase in first five months

Published : July 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

Thailand expects free trade agreement with EFTA in 2 years

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The Commerce Ministry expects to reach a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members within two years after negotiations were launched last week.

Thailand expects free trade agreement with EFTA in 2 years

Thailand launched talks with EFTA – Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein – on June 28-30 in Bangkok and proposed a two-year deadline.

The talks will focus on trade, e-commerce, investment and dispute resolution.

The next EFTA meeting will be held under Swiss chairmanship in Geneva on October 31-November 4.

Trade between Thailand and the EFTA in the first four months of 2022 was worth US$4.436 billion, with Thai exports making up $2.734 billion of that figure. The main Thai exports to EFTA were gems and accessories, watches and parts, and machines and parts.

Meanwhile, Thailand imported $1.702 billion from EFTA over the same period. Key imports were jewellery, gems, silver and gold bullion, watches and parts, and meat for consumption.

Published : July 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

Hong Kong superstar unpeels secrets of Thai fruit for China consumers

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A Hong Kong superstar’s mangosteen-peeling skills are unlocking the secrets of Thai fruits for Chinese consumers while boosting sales at the same time.

Hong Kong superstar unpeels secrets of Thai fruit for China consumers

TV presenter and actor Bob Lam is the latest weapon being wielded by the Commerce Ministry to boost exports to China, the biggest overseas market for Thai fruit.

Lam is showing off his skills at the “Thai Food Festival”, which is being held in Hong Kong malls and online until Tuesday (July 5). Lam’s trick – well known to most Thais – is to press your thumb into the top of the mangosteen to make it easier to peel. Hong Kong consumers have responded by racking up 110 million baht in fruit purchases from the festival, according to Chanunpat Pisanapipong, chief of the Office of Commercial Affairs in Hong Kong.

Lam is also showing off his mangosteen method on his Instagram and Facebook, she added.

Hong Kong superstar unpeels secrets of Thai fruit for China consumers

“We aim to use soft power to boost Thailand’s competitiveness and business opportunities in the long term,” she said of the decision to employ a local superstar to promote Thai fruit. The move also aims to show Hong Kong citizens how to purchase and peel other Thai fruits, such as durian and pomelo, she added.

Thai mangosteen exports to Hong Kong skyrocketed to US$9.48 million (338 million baht) between January and May, up 11,769 per cent from a year earlier.

Published : July 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

Baht tests its resistance level as risk-off market sees funds flow out

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017327


The baht opened at 35.59 to the US dollar on Monday, strengthening from Friday’s close of 35.65.

Baht tests its resistance level as risk-off market sees funds flow out

The Thai currency is expected to move between 35.50 and 35.70 against the greenback during the day and between 35.30 and 35.80 during the week, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool predicted.

Poon said the baht may test its new resistance level at 35.75 to the dollar because the market is in a risk-off state, resulting in foreign funds flowing out of the country continuously.

The baht will fluctuate further before inflation numbers are revealed, though the currency’s weakening may be limited by exporters waiting to sell the baht and investors planning to sell gold.

However, Poon reckons the baht should not go beyond 36 to the dollar unless the market worries about China enforcing new lockdown measures and investors sell off stocks and bonds in the Emerging Asia market.

Meanwhile, the dollar is likely to fluctuate as the US economy has significantly slowed down and its state is worse than expected.

Also, the US Federal Reserve has not signalled it will increase the interest rate, which may pressure the dollar to weaken, though it may be supported by the demand for safe assets.

The strategist advises investors to use hedging tools like options to manage their risks in the highly volatile currency market.

Published : July 04, 2022

By : THE NATION

MedPark and Modena signed Medical Service Agreement

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MedPark Hospital and Modena by Fraser Bangkok signed Medical Service Agreement for hospital referral of international visitors and staff

MedPark and Modena signed Medical Service Agreement

Bangkok – 30 June 2022 Prof. Dr Sin Anuras, Dr. Pongpat Patanavanich together with MedPark Hospital Management Team welcomed Ms. Piyalak Penkunaporn, General Manager Modena by Fraser Bangkok Hotel Residences, Ms. Pinthida Bhatayanond, Vice President-Strategic Hotel Management Commercial Development Frasers Property Commercial (Thailand) and Ms. Tonya Khon, Senior Vice President, Head of Asia Pacific, Fraser Hospitality for the signing ceremony of Medical Service Agreement to provide medical service privileges, as well as Hotel Call Medical Services for international visitors.

As Thailand begins to ease the restrictions to promote medical tourism, MedPark is determined to become a medical hub in Southeast Asia. With highly experienced doctors in diversified medical fields, as well as strong support in education and research to advance medical staff competencies, MedPark is able to provide personalized and comprehensive care to patients with high acuity and complex diseases.

MedPark and Modena signed Medical Service Agreement

This partnership will facilitate accommodations for patients, families, and hotel guests needing medical assistance.

Published : July 03, 2022

France-Thailand Business Forum: Cooperation on Transport & Mobility and BCG, as well as Decarbonisation and Smart City

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017301


Thailand and France – a vital European Union member with significant trade and investment potential – have a long relationship. Trade between the two countries has always been strong and France is significant to Thailand’s economy. While the Thai private sector has invested in France, there are currently over 280 French companies doing business in Thailand.

France-Thailand Business Forum: Cooperation on Transport & Mobility and BCG, as well as Decarbonisation and Smart City

The France-Thailand Business Forum (FTBF) hosted the 3rd France-Thailand Business Forum in collaboration with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, and MEDEF International, at The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok.


Joining the event were representatives from more than 20 French leading companies in the energy, environment, logistics, infrastructure management, smart city, and sustainability sectors.


The special forum staged presentations on two key topics: “Transport & Mobility and BCG”, and “decarbonisation and Smart City”. In attendance were top government officials, industry leaders, and business personnel from both the French and Thai public sectors.


MEDEF International is a private, non-profit organisation founded in 1989 by MEDEF, the French Business Confederation. It aims to promote trade, technological cooperation and investment, and long-term partnerships, particularly in emerging and developing markets and reconstruction markets.

Francois Corbin, Co-Chairman of the French Business Council and Vice President of MEDEFFrancois Corbin, Co-Chairman of the French Business Council and Vice President of MEDEF
The French-Thailand Business Forum aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and investment opportunities in both countries’ private sectors, which is an important component of the France-Thailand Roadmap 2022-2024 signed by both countries’ foreign ministers last April.

“In terms of technology and innovation, French businesses are strong. Thailand has the potential to be an Asean regional hub. The enormous potential of the private sector, combined with the Thai government’s stringent policy implementation, will ensure sustained economic growth,” said Francoise Corbin, Co-Chairman of the French Business Council and Vice President of MEDEF International.

Corbin added that MEDEF International has more than 7,100 member-companies and executives as CEOs of French multinational corporations. Members have discussed and agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on many issues, which can be divided into the following three areas:

 – The six potential manufacturing and service sectors are (1) agriculture and high-value processed agriculture; (2) quality, sustainable tourism; (3) electric vehicle and parts manufacturing; (4) medical and health services; (5) transportation and logistics; (6) smart electronics manufacturing and digital services. Thai industries targeted for French investment have global potential, both in terms of technology and people.


– The Thai government is promoting investment in the circular economy and a low-carbon society. These include the BCG economy and Thailand’s transformation into the region’s EV production hub, as well as waste-reducing production methods. French companies use technology to recycle industrial, agricultural, and consumer wastes. Potential and interest in Thai government and private BCG business.

– Upgrading vocational courses; producing highly skilled workers and entering the target industries of Thailand and France’s investment in Thailand will play an important role in driving the country in the future according to “Thailand 4.0”.


Dr Kornkrapan Intarajang, Co-chair of the France -Thailand Business Forum and CEO of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Ltd describes this event as a platform for the promotion of private commerce and investment directions between the two countries. It is a great opportunity for exchanging ideas on innovation and technologies from France which are based on the 5 following key industries: Transport, Smart City, Energy Transition, Food & Agriculture, and Health & Wellness.


The event was attended by various related parties and government agencies, including the French Ambassador to Thailand, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, and officials from the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), plus representatives from Thai companies including Thai Union, Sea Value, and Double-A.


Also in attendance were partner organisations seeking investment opportunities in France such as The Mitr Phol Group, Loxley, ThaiBev, WHA Group, Kasikorn, Thai Airways, CP, Empire Asia, and Allied Metals, as well as French businesses that currently have investments in Thailand such as Michelin, said Dr Kornkrapan


At the forum, the two countries talked about how to improve their economic ties by Thailand opening up areas such as innovation and modern technology to French investment. This will help to drive Thailand’s circular economy (BCG) policies in areas like agriculture and food, make-up and perfume, health and medicine, and tourism that sustains the environment and health, tyres and smart cars, textiles, and fashion.


France and Thailand are also interested in expanding their transportation business ties. Specifically, connecting Asean countries and China via land, rail, and water routes is an important step toward a more sustainable business model. Two areas of cooperation between Thai and French companies are Transportation & Mobility and BCG and Decarbonisation. As a means of both assisting in the country’s industrial transition and adding value, Thailand is actively seeking out the latest innovations, technologies, and knowledge available.Dr.Kongkrapan Intarajang,C0-chair of the France-Thailand Business Forum and CEO of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Ltd.(GC)Dr.Kongkrapan Intarajang,C0-chair of the France-Thailand Business Forum and CEO of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Ltd.(GC)

Published : July 02, 2022

By : Varunsuda Karunayadhaj

PTT EV stations to start charging motorists next month

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017322


Drivers of electric vehicles will have to start paying a fee to charge their batteries at PTT EV stations from next month.

PTT EV stations to start charging motorists next month

The EV Station PluZ, which operates PTT EV stations under PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc, announced that EV users will be charged based on time of use (TOU) from August 1 following the free trial period.

The on-peak TOU rate from 9am to 10pm will be 7.5 baht per unit of power while the off-peak rate from 10pm to 9am will be 4.5 baht.

The off-peak rate will extend for 24 hours during weekends and government holidays, EV Station Pluz announced.

To book charging time at a PTT EV station, motorists must download the EV Station PluZ app. Each booking costs 20 baht but this fee is returned as a discount if motorists use the service within 10 minutes of booking.

PTT president and CEO Auttapol Rerkpiboon said the free trial period at PTT EV stations was expiring so fees will have to be collected.

He said that PTT OR currently has about 190 EV stations across the country but this will be expanded to 450 by the end of the year.

Published : July 03, 2022

Malaysia lifts 20-year ban on Thai rice flour exports

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Malaysia is allowing Thailand to export rice flour to the western part of the country after shipments were halted for almost 20 years, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Sunday.

Malaysia lifts 20-year ban on Thai rice flour exports

The move came after a long-standing ban on issuing licences for Malaysian importers to import rice flour to the west was lifted, he said.

“We found that Malaysian agencies responsible for issuing licences to import products to the western and eastern parts of the country were different,” Jurin explained.

In response, Thailand’s trade envoy in Malaysia had asked importers to send evidence to the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN) for negotiations between the countries, he added.

Recently, Malaysian importers had informed the DTN and Thai trade envoy that they had received the licences.

“Thailand can now export rice flour to the western part of Malaysia after exports were suspended for almost 20 years,” Jurin said.

He added that that Malaysia’s move should boost the value of Thailand’s exports and trade with its southern neighbour.

Malaysia lifts 20-year ban on Thai rice flour exports

Thailand exported goods worth 75.34 billion baht via Malaysia’s border in the first five months of this year. Exports of rice products via the channel in the first five months of this year rose 12.5 per cent.

Published : July 03, 2022

By : THE NATION

Govt to seek wage hike amid rising inflation, says finance minister

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The government will seek wage increases for private-sector employees to help them cope with rising costs due to higher inflation, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Saturday.

Govt to seek wage hike amid rising inflation, says finance minister

Authorities would discuss the matter with employees towards the end of this year, he said.

Arkhom said Thailand’s inflation would remain high for the rest of this year, eventually forcing the Bank of Thailand to raise its policy interest rate, which has remained unchanged at 0.50 per cent.

“The Thai economy is suffering impacts not only from Covid-19 but also high inflation resulting from the Ukraine war. Inflation this year is unlikely to go down to levels seen many years ago,” said the finance minister.

However, Thailand’s inflation rate is still considered low when compared to other countries, he added.

Inflation in Thailand has ranged between 6 and 7 per cent in recent months.

The finance minister was speaking during an address to the FTI Expo 2022 on the government’s monetary and financial policies for this year.

The event is being held by the Federation of Thai Industries in Chiang Mai province until Sunday.

Arkhom also defended the government’s monetary and financial policies to aid the economy over the past two years during the pandemic. He said government borrowing was necessary to help stimulate the economy as people’s incomes fell.

“Other countries, as well as Thailand, did the same thing,” he said, referring to government borrowing.

The finance minister also said that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund had encouraged countries to issue relief measures for their citizens despite incurring rising public debt.

Arkhom said that what counts was a country’s ability to repay its public debts, noting that some countries have debt exceeding 100 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP).

Published : July 02, 2022